Texan in 'Knockout Game' Faces Federal Hate Crime

HOUSTON (AP) Authorities say a 27-year-old suburban Houston man hoping to gain national exposure by knocking out an unsuspecting bystander has been charged with a federal hate crime.

Federal prosecutors said Thursday that Conrad Alvin Barrett on Nov. 24 struck a 79-year-old man, breaking his jaw and hospitalizing him for several days. They say Barrett, a Katy resident, targeted the victim because he's black. Barrett allegedly laughed after knocking the man to the ground and then fled to his vehicle.

Barrett used his cell phone to record the attack and showed it to others. Prosecutors say by playing the "knockout game" Barrett was hoping his video would be nationally televised.

He's scheduled to make an initial court appearance Thursday. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.